Israel

Brrrrrr… Israel is the first country that has been cold after hot Thailand, Singapore, and India.  Israel is the holy land for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.  They all want a piece of the land to call their own.  The country is at war because of that reason.    

  While we were there we stayed in a city called Netanya. We had a hotel right on the beach.  Netanya is a very touristy city because of the beach.  During our 10 days there, we went to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and Masada.

                                                               We went with a tour guide named David, who showed us all the sites where Jesus had been, including the Stations of the Cross, where He got baptized, where His cross was put up and where His tomb was.                         (weeping wall->)

(Masada in the foreground and 

the Dead Sea in the backround)                                   

                                  

                             (camel ride in Jerusalem)  

My favorite place we went to in Israel was the Dead Sea.  This was the lowest point on earth, where there are rivers flowing into it, but not out.  Because none of the water leaves, and much of the water evaporates, a lot of salt is left behind.  Right now there is 35% salt in the Dead Sea, compared with only 3% in the ocean.  You can float very well without moving your arms or legs at all.  It was an extraordinary experience.  They had a spa there that included

swimming in the Dead Sea, covering yourself in mud from the Dead Sea, and Swimming in a sulfur bath.  I really loved our experience there and didn't want to leave!!                                                                                                             (Mud bath at the dead sea->)                                                                                                                         

  Overall, I had a great time in Israel (although it was a little cold).   It was quite amazing seeing all the places mentioned in the bible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (Floating in the dead sea)

 

(A piece of the cross)